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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Rick on February 26, 2000, at 16:23:50
Hi all,
I would like to ask a question concerning Ativan. I just started on Remeron and Paxil about 2 weeks ago, and as I understand, Paxil is responsible for increasing my anxiety during the start-up phase. For this added joy, I use Ativan as a PRN, 0.5mg, usually 2x but sometimes 3x a day.
I just wondered what the risks are of becoming addicted to this drug, at what point should I stop taking it? Also, is there any advantage to using 2 different prn's such as switching back and forth between Ativan and Klonopin? I have taken both and they both seem to work well for me.
Thanks in advance for any insight.
RICK
Posted by saint james on February 26, 2000, at 22:00:04
In reply to Benzo Addiction, posted by Rick on February 26, 2000, at 16:23:50
> Hi all,
>
> I would like to ask a question concerning Ativan. I just started on Remeron and Paxil about 2 weeks ago, and as I understand, Paxil is responsible for increasing my anxiety during the start-up phase. For this added joy, I use Ativan as a PRN, 0.5mg, usually 2x but sometimes 3x a day.
>
> I just wondered what the risks are of becoming addicted to this drug, at what point should I stop taking it? Also, is there any advantage to using 2 different prn's such as switching back and forth between Ativan and Klonopin? I have taken both and they both seem to work well for me.
>
> Thanks in advance for any insight.
>
> RICKJames here....
For a few weeks (3-4), every day at this dose you should have no problem. It would be best to taper dose down over 1 week when you stop. Then if you take Atavin once or twice a week there is no real problem w/ addiction. Don't switch and I would stick with Atavin.
james
Posted by Cam W. on February 26, 2000, at 22:10:00
In reply to Benzo Addiction, posted by Rick on February 26, 2000, at 16:23:50
Rick - James is right. No real chance of addiction unless you are using the Ativan to get high or are continually increasing the daily dose. Tapering is also important to avoid the rebound anxiety that can occur when stopping a benzodiazepine. Also, no need to use two benzos (Klonapine - Rivotril in Canada - and Ativan). Stick to the Ativan and save yourself a dipensing fee by not getting the Klonapine.
Posted by Janice on February 27, 2000, at 16:34:41
In reply to Re: Benzo Addiction, posted by Cam W. on February 26, 2000, at 22:10:00
hi Rick,
from someone who has used them off and on for 5 years, and even been a little addicted to them.
The pros far outweigh the cons for me. I just kept my psychiatrist up to date on my usage.
When I did finally want to quit them for good, I did discover that I was addicted to them. I started having mild anxiety attacks in the middle of the night, which was easily manageable by just tapering the dosage more gradually.
Janice
This is the end of the thread.
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